Jetwing blue, Jetwing sea shines star bright

Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Sea were recently awarded a five star and four star certificates respectively by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

With tourism increasingly at a consistent pace, as evidenced by the millionth visitor to the island a few weeks ago, the need for high quality and world class accommodation is important. As the country strives to achieve the target of two million by 2016, and become one of Asia's most popular destinations, being awarded certifications provides direction and guidance to travelers when planning their holiday/visit.

Jetwing blue

Jetwing sea

Jetwing Blue, formerly known as the Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, was opened in 1973 by Herbert Cooray, the founding Chairman of Jetwing.

Initially opened with 6 rooms of a planned 50, the hotel went through a major re-imagining in 2011 and was re launched with 112 rooms, and a 600 pax seating capacity Ballroom.

However, an interesting twist to the tale comes from Jetwing Sea, which was named the Seashells Hotel. Herbert Cooray in fact built the hotel in 1971, for tourism pioneer G.E.B. Milhuisen in a record 6 months, thus making it his first ever hotel. Fast forward a few years, and the Seashells Hotel was under Herbert; and in 2011, lovingly recreated and opened as Jetwing Sea, an 83 room property complete with a rooftop gym and spa along with a specialty fine dining fresh seafood restaurant named the Lellama.

"It is with a lot of pride that I look at Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Sea, both properties my father built up himself, and see them certified as a five star and four star respectively. I trust that it will only be a matter of time before the rest of our stunning properties share in this glory" said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing. Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 40 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect.